SCAM AWARENESSDeepfake video scams
A deepfake is a video or audio clip made with artificial intelligence that makes a real person appear to say or do something they never did. Scammers use deepfakes of business leaders, public figures, news anchors, or even company bosses to promote fake investments or to order urgent payments.
How this scam works
Many deepfake scams appear as ads or posts on social media and video sites. The video shows a well-known person praising a trading app, crypto platform, or "secret" investment and urging viewers to sign up today. The link leads to a polished website that asks for a deposit and your contact details. Soon a "manager" calls to push you to invest more.
Other deepfakes target workers. A staff member may join a video call that seems to include their boss or company leaders, who direct an urgent, confidential wire transfer. In both cases, the fake person creates trust, and the scammers count on you acting before you have time to check. Money sent this way is often very hard to get back.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGEVideo ad: A familiar business leader says, "I've never shared this before, but this new platform turned my small savings into a fortune. Spots close tonight. Click [link] and deposit just a small amount to get started."
Warning signs
- A famous person promotes guaranteed or very high investment returns.
- The video appears only in ads or unfamiliar accounts, not official channels.
- Lip movements, blinking, or lighting look slightly off.
- You are pushed to act today or keep the offer secret.
- A video call "boss" asks for an urgent, unusual payment.
- Payment is requested in cryptocurrency or by wire transfer.
How to protect yourself
- Check the person's verified website or official accounts to see if the message is real.
- Search the offer name with words like "scam" or "complaint" before signing up.
- Never invest because of a video ad or social media post alone.
- At work, confirm any payment request through a known phone number or in person.
- Check whether an investment seller is registered with regulators before sending money.
- Be careful with ads that lead to sites asking for deposits right away.
If you already responded
- Stop sending money, even if you are told a fee will unlock your profits.
- Contact your bank or card company right away to report the payment and ask about stopping it.
- Save screenshots of the video, ad, website, and all messages.
- Change passwords on any account you used or shared, and turn on two-step verification.
- Report the scam to the SEC, FTC, or IC3, and beware of anyone offering to recover your money for a fee.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- Investor.gov: AI and investment fraud alert ↗
- Report suspected securities fraud to the SEC ↗
- Report internet crime to the FBI (IC3) ↗
Common questions
How can I tell if a video is a deepfake?
It can be hard. Look for odd mouth movements, unnatural blinking, strange lighting, or a voice that doesn't quite match. But good fakes may show none of these signs. The safer test is the message itself: if a video pushes you to invest or pay quickly, check the person's official channels before you act.
Do public figures really promote investments in social media ads?
Scammers often use the faces and voices of well-known people without permission to sell fake investments. A real endorsement would normally appear on the person's own verified channels or in reliable news coverage. Treat any ad promising easy or guaranteed returns as a warning sign, no matter who appears in it.
Can I get my money back after a deepfake investment scam?
Sometimes banks or card companies can help if you report quickly, but there is no guarantee. Contact them right away and report the scam to the authorities. Be very careful of anyone who contacts you offering to recover your lost money for a fee. That is a common follow-up scam.